Ford Transit Custom Trail here in Q4

FORD Australia might be seen in some quarters as a two-trick pony (Everest and Ranger), but recent developments suggest it may be moving more into niche marketing as exemplified in the latest Transit Custom Trail offering due late this year.

Ford says the ruggedised all-wheel-drive, long wheelbase Transit Custom Trail due to join its local FWD Medium segment van line-up “expands the horizon of Ford Australia’s van line-up” and will be priced from $61,990 excluding on-road costs.

The model arrives as Ford racks up its best Transit Custom sales on record last year.

It competes with Volkswagen’s LWB Transporter 1340 4motion from $57,890 and the Transporter 1450 4motion from $64,490 both excluding on-road costs.

The Transit Custom Trail ushers in improved capability to the Transit Custom range which includes the work-focused Trend, the more stylish Sport, and roomy Double Cab with the Trail variant giving customers a greater choice to suite their business and recreational needs.

It is equipped as standard with a generous suite of features in a single LWB specification that builds on what is in Trend variants.

The engine and gearbox are carried over from the rest of the diesel-powered Transit Custom range, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 125kW and 390Nm paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

But for customers “with a sense of adventure” that require the load-lugging ability of a van, the Transit Custom Trail is fitted with a permanent all-wheel drive system as standard with the benefits of all-paw traction “not purely limited to those that want to leave the bitumen, with the improved roadholding providing increased confidence in all low-grip situations”, says Ford.

The Trail’s AWD is an active system that responds to wheel slip between the front and rear axles and can also anticipate wheel slip transferring torque to the rear wheels before slip occurs.

An electronically controlled clutch in the rear axle provides traction similar to a locked 4x4 system without binding in turns.

It is differentiated externally from the rest of the Transit Custom line-up through a bolder, more rugged appearance with specific “Trail” grille and skid plates, black wheel arch moulding and side strip, silver painted rocker trim, LED headlamps and daytime running lights, dedicated 16-inch Trail twin-spoke alloy wheels finished in matte black, underbody protection, and yellow exterior decals.

Though based on the Trend spec’, changes inside the Trail’s cabin include artificial leather seat trim with a “Trail” embossing on the drivers’ seat and yellow box stitching on all three seats. Dual passenger seats come fitted as standard, but a single passenger seat is available as an option at $150.

All Transit Custom’s safety and ADAS tech that gave it ANCAP’s highest commercial van medallion grading are fitted to the Trail. 

In terms of colour palette, Frozen White is the standard exterior colour with four optional Prestige Paint choices available at $700: Agate Black Metallic, Grey Matter, Magnetic, and Moondust Silver.

Other options available include a rear lift-gate ($700), and dual side load doors ($1000).

“The Ford Transit Custom Trail offers a blend of striking design, comfort, versatility, and capability that makes it an excellent choice for both business and recreational use,” said Ford Australia product and retail marketing manager of vans Anna Hercan.

“It’s bold and rugged exterior design is a head turning proposition, and the practicality of a long wheelbase van paired with a capable AWD drivetrain, ensures that the Trail will cater to a wide range of needs, from work-related tasks to leisure and sporting activities.”

Full details and specifications of the Transit Custom Trail will be released closer to local introduction.